Another shinty legend has sadly passed away and with the sad loss of Tommy Nicolson of Kyles, one of the finest players of the modern era. Tommy died on Thursday after a lengthy illness. A seven times Camanachd Cup winner (they don’t count runners-up medals in Tighnabruaich) “wee Tommy” as he was known to all and sundry left his mark on the game in more ways than can be noted here. As fine a bearer of the Nicolson name and tradition, a grandson of the legendary athlete T R Nicolson, he may well be remembered for Donald MacKay’s magnificent award-winning photo from the 1978 Camanachd Cu[p Final. Taken by the great Donald MacKay, it, to most people, featured another legend, John MacKenzie of Newtonmore. What is less well-known is that the “real” picture included Tommy who had never strayed too far from John all afternoon at Claggan (John tells the story a little bit more colourfully and forever shared a great friendship). Three legends rolled into one really. A shepherd and farmer, Tommy had the traditional Tighnabruaich engine, the magnificent spirit of the Kyles of Bute and the camaraderie and bonhomie one expects in one of shinty’s great homelands. His first great impact on the game when he scored all three goals for Kyles in the 1962 Camanachd Cup Final. His playing career ended as the 70s did following a great serious of matches against Newtonmore. On a personal level he once cost Glasgow University an advanced place in the Sutherland Cup final when he single-handedly turned a game at Garscadden having come from full-back to full forward. I know that to my cost as I was the University custodian he severely embarrassed on that day. Tommy’s passing is a huge loss to the Kyles shinty fraternity and his immediate family circle. His daughter Lorna and son Neil, brothers Bobby and Ian and sister Maggie know that more than anyone and will feel that sense of loss beyond all imagining. There will be a lot of reminiscing and a lot of laughs no doubt at the Parish church in Kames this Friday (12th) at the funeral service (11am) for all that the shinty community will gather from far and wide to pay their solemn respects. He deserves, and would have wished for no more. Will you come along with me to that haven by the sea? Where we wandered hand in hand in days gone by. When the summer days are here and the skies are truly clear Well go back to Tighnabruaich you and I. To that place out in the west where my thoughts aye come to rest. Theres a grandeur here throughout the countryside. Though Ive travelled everywhere theres no place that can compare With that sleepy village nestling on the Clyde. Feast your eyes on beauties rare, free for all the world to share. See the Kyles of Bute neath skies of azure blue, Whilst the blackbird in the trees sings its haunting melodies. How I wish that I could sing such love songs just for you. Take the high road from Dunoon on some sunny afternoon. At the crest the view brings life to weary eyes. Where the islets dot the seas and the yachts glide with the breeze Through the narrows to that sailors paradise. With a welcome warm and true from the good friends that we knew In contentment well face life with happy smiles. Hear the lapping of the tide by the Bonny Firth of Clyde In our home among the hills above the Kyles. (Celly Paterson)
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 18:12:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015